The Renfrew County and District Health Unit has been working with local schools to ensure student immunization records are up to date. Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, public health units are required to maintain immunization records for all students. Immunization protects children from many serious diseases that are easily spread in schools.
The Health Unit has completed its review of immunization records for the 2015/16 school year. Reminder Notices have been sent to families of students with immunization records that are not up to date.
Students can get vaccinations that they require at the Health Unit or through their health care provider. They can also mail or fax copies of vaccination records to the Health Unit. (Health care providers do not notify the Health Unit when a vaccination is given.) They can also submit an exemption form.
“It’s important for Health Units to have this information,” said Dr. Kathryn Reducka, Acting Medical Officer of Health at the Renfrew County and District Health Unit. “In the case of an outbreak, public health staff must be able to quickly advise students who are not immunized so they can take action to protect themselves.”
“The Reminder Notices also prompt parents to ensure their child’s immunizations are current. This helps protect them from vaccine preventable diseases,” added Vicki Benoit, Co-ordinator at the Health Unit. “We are providing extra immunization clinics, including evening clinics so that students have more opportunities to receive the immunizations they need.”
If the Health Unit does not receive the required information, Final Notices will be sent. These urge parents to provide the information before the deadline indicated on the Notice. Once the deadline is reached, Suspension Orders will be issued by the Acting Medical Officer of Health. Affected students will not be able to attend school until the required information is provided.
To make an appointment for an immunization or to discuss any questions or concerns, please call Renfrew County and District Health Unit at 613-735-8651 or 1-800-267-1097 extension 597.
